US8922920B2 - Self-positioning light filtering device and replaceable filter - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-positioning light filtering device including a rotational bearing having concentric outer and inner components rotatable relative to one another. The inner component defines an opening for receiving the tip or other component of a light-emitting device. A transparent filter member filters optically harmful light emitted from the light-emitting device. The filter member and the inner component of the rotational bearing are rotatable relative to one another. A counterweight below the rotational bearing causes the filter member to remain in an upright position when the inner component of the rotational bearing rotates relative to the outer component. A replaceable filter member for the filtering device is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/776,913, filed Mar. 12, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to light filtering equipment, and more particularly to equipment used for eye protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various implements have been employed in dentistry to shield the eyes of the dentist and other care providers from the optically harmful light emitted from dental curing devices. The most commonly used implements are described below.

One implement comprises a handheld filtering member that is held over the patient's mouth while the composite is cured. This is disadvantageous in several ways. First, the time taken to reach for the filtering member and hold it in place compromises efficiency since the dental assistant could be performing other duties while the dentist is curing. Also, the filtering member can sometimes be forgotten and not used, leaving the care provider's eyes vulnerable to the optically harmful light. Furthermore, the filtering members are typically large and cumbersome to store and use.

Another implement comprises a cone that is placed over the tip of the curing device. However, the cone can interfere with placement of the tip in the correct position, can push matrix systems (which are sometimes precariously placed) out of their correct positions, and allows the optically harmful light to leak out of the perimeter of the cone.

Still another implement comprises a light filtering disc that fits over the tip of the dental cure light, rests near the base of the tip by the light itself, and is secured to the tip by a grommet or some other retentive feature. This filtering disc stays outside of the patient's mouth. The disadvantage of this type of tool is that it continually needs to be adjusted to get it into the right position as the curing light is maneuvered around the mouth. This requires an extra step for the operator or the operator is forced to lean into a field of view that allows him/her to see through the filtering disc. Furthermore, when attempting to cure teeth in the very back of the mouth, this type of filtering disc can interfere with tip placement by pressing against the face of the patient and need to be adjusted to allow proper tip placement.

In summary, all of these implements have drawbacks and are difficult to use. Some clinicians choose simply not to use a filtering device because no great options are on the market. The care providers are therefore at risk from the optically harmful light. Most of these clinicians attempt to place the tip in position and look away from the light while curing. This leads to inaccuracies in tip placement which sometimes require another cure in the correct position and/or short exposures to harmful light if the curing begins prior to looking away. Thus an opportunity and need exists in the marketplace for an improved design that overcomes many of the shortfalls of the aforementioned devices and affords dental care providers with an enhanced level of convenience and protection when using dental curing lights.

One such improved design is described in my U.S. Pat. No. 8,337,201 disclosing an improved self-positioning dental light filtering device.

SUMMARY

This invention is directed to a self-positioning light filtering device. In one embodiment, the light filtering device comprises a rotational bearing having concentric outer and inner components rotatable relative to one another about an axis of rotation. The inner component defines an opening for receiving the tip or other component of a light-emitting device (e.g., a dental curing light). The light filtering device also includes a transparent filter member for filtering optically harmful light emitted from the light-emitting device. The filter member and the inner component of the rotational bearing are rotatable relative to one another about the stated axis of rotation. A counterweight below the rotational bearing causes the filter member to remain in an upright position when the inner component of the rotational bearing rotates relative to the outer component, as when the tip of the light-emitting device and/or the light-emitting device itself is rotated about said axis of rotation.

In another aspect, this invention is directed to a replaceable filter for a light filtering device such as the device described in the preceding paragraph. The replaceable filter comprises a transparent filter member for filtering optically harmful light emitted from a light-emitting device. The replaceable filter is configured for releasable attachment to the light filtering device.

In still another aspect, this invention is directed to a replaceable curing light filter comprising a filter member having a first surface with a shape, a support having a second surface with a shape corresponding to the shape of the first surface, and an interference fit between the first and second surfaces forming a releasable attachment between the filter member and the support.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a self-positioning dental light filtering device;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the light filtering device ofFIG. 1 mounted on the tip of a dental curing device;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the light filtering device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical section taken in the plane of4-4 ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view of the light filtering device showing various components;

FIG. 6 is front elevation of a second embodiment of a self-positioning light filtering device comprising a replaceable filter member;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the light filtering device ofFIG. 6 with the filter member removed;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the removable filter member;

FIG. 9 is a perspective of a support for the filter member; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective of a third embodiment of a self-positioning dental light filtering device of this invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings,FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a self-positioning dental light filtering device, generally designated10, as described in my U.S. Pat. No. 8,337,201, which is incorporated herein by reference. Thelight filtering device10 is configured to be mounted on the tip or other component of a light-emitting device (e.g., a dental curing device) for blocking optically harmful light emitted from the device. A conventional dental curing device, generally designated20, is depicted in phantom lines inFIG. 2. The curing device has abody22 formed as a handle to be gripped by the care provider (e.g., dentist), and anelongate tip24 extending forward from the body. Thebody22 is equipped with a light-emittingdevice26, such as an LED, that emits acuring light28 through thetip24, as will be understood by those skilled in the field of dentistry. Typically, thetip24 can be rotated (manually) relative to thebody22 of thecuring device20 about the longitudinal axis29 of the tip. The curingdevice20 forms no part of this invention and will not be described in further detail.

Thelight filtering device10 comprises atransparent filter member30 of a color, tint or material for blocking opticallyharmful light28 emitted from thetip24 of thecuring device20, and a filter member support, generally designated32, for supporting the filter member in an upright position above thetip24 of thecuring device20. Thelight filtering device10 also comprises a bearing mount, generally designated36, affixed to thefilter member support32. Thebearing mount36 mounts a rotational bearing, generally designated40, having concentric outer andinner components42,44 (FIG. 4), which are rotatable relative to one another about an axis ofrotation46. Theouter component42 is immovably affixed to thebearing mount36. Theinner component44 defines an opening38 (FIG. 5) concentric with the axis ofrotation46 for receiving thetip24 of thecuring device20. A retaining device, generally designated50, is provided in theopening38 for holding thetip24 of thecuring device20 substantially centered with the rotational bearing40 (i.e., concentric with the axis ofrotation46 and also concentric with the longitudinal axis29 of the tip) and substantially rotationally stationary relative to theinner component44 of therotational bearing40 when the tip is received in theopening38. A counterweight, generally designated60, located below therotational bearing40 causes thefilter member30 to remain in its upright position when thetip24 of thecuring device20 or thecuring device20 is rotated (by the care provider) about the axis of rotation29. The components of thelight filtering device10 are described in more detail below.

Thefilter member30 illustrated in the drawings is generally oval in shape, but it may have other shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, polygonal) without departing from the scope of this invention. The filter member is of a material suitable for blocking harmful curing light28 emitted by the curingdevice20, which curing light typically is a blue light having a wavelength in the range of 450-500 nm. By way of example but not limitation, thefilter member30 may be of cell-cast acrylic. This type of acrylic is resistant to chemicals and has the desirable property of being transparent to allow optical clarity. One suitable color, amber2422, is commonly available in the industry and is suitable for filtering the curinglight28 so that it is safe for viewing.

The oval shape of thefilter member30 allows for a small connection to the bearing and a larger viewing section in the superior position for eye protection. Desirably, thefilter member30 is of relatively thin sheet material (e.g., 1/32 in. sheet material, referred to the industry as 0.030 in. sheet). The relatively thin material is desirable to minimize the weight of thefilter member30 and offsettingcounterweight60.

Referring toFIG. 4, thefilter member support32 has an upper generallyplanar section32A disposed above therotational bearing40 and a lower generallyco-planar section32B disposed below the rotational bearing. The upper andlower sections32A,32B lie in a first plane P1 generally perpendicular to the axis ofrotation46 and define acircular opening62 that is generally concentric with theopening38 in therotational bearing40 and about the same size as that opening. Thefilter member30 extends from thefilter member support32 and lies in a second plane P2 oriented at an angle A relative to the first plane P1. Desirably, this angle A is in the range of plus or minus 0-60 degrees, and even more desirably in the range of plus or minus 0-20 degrees. In one embodiment, thefilter member support32 andfilter member30 are integrally formed as one piece from the same material (e.g., cell-cast acrylic), but they may be formed as separate pieces of the same or different material and then attached to one another.

Thefilter member support32 and/orfilter member30 can have configurations other than those described above without departing from the scope of this invention.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, the bearingmount36 comprises acurved member69 immovably affixed to oneface68 of theupper section32A of thefilter member support32 and at least partially surrounding theouter component42 of the rotational bearing. Thecurved member69 has anupper surface70 and a curved (e.g., semi-circular)lower surface72 closely conforming to the curvature of theouter component42 of the rotational bearing. At least thelower surface72 and desirably both the upper andlower surfaces70,72 are generally concentric with the axis ofrotation46. By way of example, thecurved member69 may be a part-circular section (e.g., semi-circular section) of acrylic tubing adhered to thefilter member support32. The bearing mount36 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of this invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, therotational bearing40 is a thin-section rolling-element bearing, such as a bearing commercially available from, for example, Alpine Bearing Co. in Allston, Mass. Theouter component42 of the bearing comprises an annular outer race, also designated42, immovably affixed (e.g., adhered) to the curvedlower surface72 of the bearingmount36 and to thecounterweight60. Theinner component44 of the bearing comprises an annular inner race, also designated44, having an inside diameter defining thetip opening38. Balls orother roller elements80 positioned between the tworaces42,44 allow relative rotation between the inner and outer bearing components. The inside diameter (ID) of the innerannular race44 is relatively close to the outside diameter (OD) of the outerannular race42. By way of example, the difference between the ID and OD may be about 0.125 in. or less. A thin-section rotational bearing allows the bearing to be relatively small yet have a relatively large opening sufficient to accommodate the retainingdevice50 and curing devices having tips of varying diameter. Thebearing40 is lubed with an oil of a viscosity that provides the right amount of movement without being too stiff. Other types of rotational bearings may also be used.

Referring toFIGS. 3-5, the retainingdevice50 comprises aring90 fitted inside the tip opening38 defined by theinner component44 of the rotational bearing. Thering90 defines acentral opening92 concentric with axis46 (seeFIG. 4). Resilient tapered grippingmembers94 extend inward into theopening92 for gripping thetip24 of the light-emittingdevice20. Thering90 includes a pair ofannular flanges96 projecting in a generally radial direction outward from the ring. Theflanges96 are spaced apart to define anannular groove98 between the flanges for receiving theinner race44 of thebearing40. Desirably, thering90 and grippingmembers94 are integrally formed (e.g., molded) as a one-piece structure of resilient material. Thering90 is sized for a snap fit of theinner race44 of thebearing40 inside thegroove98. By way of example but not limitation, thering90 and grippingmembers94 may be formed from 70-durometer rubber, which is rigid enough for securely holding thedevice10 on thetip24 of thecuring device20 but not so rigid that the tip cannot be easily snap-fit inside therotational bearing40. Further, the resilient nature of the retainingdevice50 allows it to accommodate light tips24 (or other curing device components) having substantially different diameters falling within a relatively wide range of sizes. The retainingdevice50 may have other shapes without departing from the scope of this invention.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, thecounterweight60 comprises acurved counterweight member100 immovably affixed (e.g., adhered) to face68 of thelower section32B of thefilter member support32 and to the lower surface of theouter component42 of therotational bearing40. Thecounterweight60 is of a suitably heavy material, such as a tungsten alloy, a very dense yet non-toxic metal which minimizes the size of the counterweight. By way of example, the alloy may have a density in excess of 18 g/cm³. Desirably, thecounterweight member100 has a curved generally part-circularupper surface102 that wraps around and closely conforms in size and shape to the curved lower surface of the outer annular44 race of therotational bearing40. (Theouter race44 is adhered to thissurface102.) Thecounterweight member100 also has upward-facing end surfaces104 that desirably seats against and are immovably affixed (e.g., adhered) to downward-facing end surfaces106 of the bearingmount36. Thelower surface110 of thecounterweight member100 tapers in a direction away from thefilter member support32 to facilitate partial entry into the mouth of a patient, as needed or desired.

Thecounterweight60 may have other shapes and be placed at other locations on thefilter member support32 without departing from the scope of this invention. Further, while the illustrated counterweight comprises only one member, the counterweight can include two or more separate members.

The overall weight of thecounterweight60 is sufficient to offset the weight of thefilter member30 and maintain it upright as thetip24 is turned and/or when thebody22 of thecuring device20 is rotated into position. By way of example, this weight may be in the range of 5-40 grams, and even more particularly in the range of 15-25 grams. Desirably, thecounterweight60 is positioned close enough to therotational bearing40 to prevent rocking as thefilter member30 approaches a resting position as determined by the counterweight. In the illustrated embodiment, thecounterweight60 is located immediately adjacent therotational bearing40, with the counterweight and rotational bearing spaced apart a distance no greater than 0-0.125 in. This location reduces the overall size of thelight filtering device10 for maximum compactness and also minimizes any pendulum-like rocking of thefilter member30 when thetip24 or curingdevice20 is rotated or repositioned by the care provider. However, thecounterweight60 can be located more remotely from therotational bearing40 without departing from the scope of this invention.

The components of thelight filtering device10 described above may be adhesively bonded together using a DP190 epoxy available from 3M Company. It is clear for good esthetics, has a very high bond strength at room temperature, and is not brittle (making it flex slightly if the device is dropped to avoid breaking the adhesive bond).

In use, thelight filtering device10 is installed on thetip24 of the curing device, as illustrated inFIG. 2. As thus installed, the retainingdevice50 grips thetip24 and holds it substantially concentric with the axis ofrotation46 and rotationally stationary relative to theinner component44 of therotational bearing40. Thus, when the care provider rotates thetip24 of thecuring device20 and/or rotates or repositions the curing device itself during a procedure, the retainingdevice50 and theinner component44 of therotational bearing40 will rotate with the tip relative to theouter component42 of the rotational bearing immovably affixed to thefilter member support32. Thecounterweight60 functions to keep thefilter member30 upright and in proper position during the procedure to block curinglight28 emitted from the light-emittingdevice26, regardless of how thetip24 is turned, the patient is turned or tilted, or how the curing device is rotated. In effect, thelight filtering device10 “self-positions” during the procedure to remain in the proper upright orientation, without the need for any adjustment or repositioning by the care provider or other person.

It will be observed that the primary movement of thebody22 andtip24 of thecuring device20 is rotational as the clinician determines the correct position. Sometimes during use thebody22 of thecuring device20 may be rotated one way and thetip24 grasped and rotated in an opposite direction to reach the desired spot in a patient's mouth. Having afilter member30 that maintains its upright position during these movements creates operational efficiency. In view of the rotational movements of the body and light tip of the curing device, therotational bearing40 positioned in the plane of these movements facilitates auto-positioning of the device. This arrangement also allows the light tip to protrude through the inside of the bearing.

As noted above, alight filtering device10 of this invention permits operational efficiencies. By way of example, a clinician curing a composite resin does not need to hold thecuring device20 with one hand and rotate thefilter member30 with the other to achieve the correct position; one hand is adequate. Also, if the position of thefilter member30 needs to be rotated slightly, it is easily done with a nudge with either hand. Thebody22 of thecuring device20 does not need to be grasped tightly to rotate thefilter member30. Still further, using thelight filtering device10, only one individual is needed to cure the composite.

The light-filtering device of my invention can be used to block optically harmful light emitted from light-emitting devices other than dental curing devices, such as welding devices and laser devices.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a light filtering device of this invention, generally designated200. Thelight filtering device200 is similar to thedevice10 of the previous embodiment, and corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers with a prime (′).

Thelight filtering device200 comprises a rotational bearing, generally designated40′, having concentric outer and inner components which are rotatable relative to one another about an axis ofrotation46′. (The outer and inner components of the bearing40′ are not shown inFIG. 6, but they are identical to the outer andinner components42,44 of the previous embodiment.) Thedevice200 also includes a transparent filter member, generally designated30′, of a color, tint or material for blocking optically harmful light emitted from a light-emitting device, such as thedental curing device20 previously described. Thefilter member30′ is configured for releasable attachment to a part-circular filter member support comprising a part-circular base204 (comparable to the bearing mount36 of the first embodiment) affixed to the outer component of the rotational bearing. The inner component of the bearing40′ defines anopening38′ concentric with the axis ofrotation46′ for receiving the light emitting device. A retaining device, generally designated50′, is provided in theopening38′ for holding the light-emitting device substantially centered in therotational bearing40′ (i.e., concentric with the axis ofrotation46′) and substantially rotationally stationary relative to the inner component of therotational bearing40′ when the light-emitting device is received in theopening38′. A counterweight, generally designated60′, located below therotational bearing40′ causes thefilter member30′ to remain in its upright position when the light-emitting device is rotated (by the care provider or operator) about the axis ofrotation46′.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, thefilter member30′ has an outer periphery, generally designated210, that includes alower edge margin214 terminating in alower edge218. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower edge218 is generally semi-circular, but it may have other shapes. By way of example but not limitation, the lower edge may extend substantially more or less than 180 degrees. Further, the edge may be continuous or discontinuous (e.g., interrupted to form any number of extensions or tabs). Thelower edge margin214 is configured for releasable reception in one or more slots in theupper surface224 of thebase204 of thelight filtering device200. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower edge margin214 comprises a firstedge margin segment214A configured (e.g., as a curved extension or tab) for releasable reception in afirst slot200A, a secondedge margin segment214B configured (e.g., as a curved extension or tab) for releasable reception in asecond slot200B, and anotch230 separating the first and secondedge margin segments214A,214B for receiving aportion234 of the base204 located between the first andsecond slots200A,200B (seeFIG. 9). Theedge margin segments214A,214B are configured to have interference fits (i.e., press or friction fits) inrespective slots200A,200B. In one embodiment, this is achieved by making the thickness of thefilter member30′ at the loweredge margin segments214A,214B only slightly less than the widths ofrespective slots200A,200B. (Slot width is the dimension transverse to slot length.)

Referring toFIG. 8, thenotch230 in thefilter member30′ is rectangular, having opposing generally vertical side edges240 and a generally horizontaltop edge244. In other embodiments, the notch may have different shapes (e.g., rounded). Desirably, thetop edge244 of the notch has a contour that conforms to the contour of theupper surface224 of theportion234 of the base204 located between theslots200A,200B. Further, the notch has a width (side-to-side dimension) only slightly greater than the spacing between theslots200A,200B. The arrangement is such that when theedge margins segments214A,214B of thefilter member30′ are inserted intorespective slots200A,200B to a depth sufficient to bring thetop edge244 of thenotch230 into contact with theportion234 of thebase204, the side edges240 of the notch have a relatively close fit with respective slot-end surfaces254 extending generally vertically down from theportion234 of the base (seeFIG. 9). In addition, thefilter member30′ has generallyhorizontal abutments270 at opposite ends of itslower edge218. When theedge margins segments214A,214B of thefilter member30′ are inserted intorespective slots200A,200B to a depth sufficient to bring thetop edge244 of thenotch230 into contact (or near contact) with theportion234 of thebase204, theabutments270 abut respective generally horizontal slot-end surfaces274 extending from theupper surface224 of the base204 (seeFIG. 9).

To install thereplaceable filter30′, theedge margin segments214A,214B of thefilter member30′ are inserted (press fit) intorespective slots200A,200B until thetop edge244 of thenotch230 is in contact (or near contact) withportion234 of thebase204 and theabutments270 are in abutment (or near abutment) with respective slot-end surfaces274. As thus installed, thefilter member30′ is precisely located relative to thebase204 by the close fit of theportion234 of the base204 in thenotch244, and the filter member is securely, stably, and releasably held in position against movement relative to the base. When needed or desired, thefilter member30′ is readily removable from theslots200A,200B for replacement by a different filter member.

It will be understood that thefilter member30′ andbase204 may have other configurations. By way of example, the number, configuration, and arrangement of theslots200 may vary. Further, multiple sets of slots may be provided and configured for releasable reception of different filter members having lower edge margins of different thicknesses. Thelower edge margin214 of thefilter member30′ may also have other configurations. Thefilter member210 and itslower edge margin214 may be formed (e.g., molded) as an integral one-piece structure, or they may be fabricated as separate parts and/or of different materials and then secured together.

As noted above, thenotch244 in thefilter member30′ functions as a positioning device for precisely positioning the filter member relative to thebase204. Other types of positioning devices may be used for precisely positioning the filter member on the light filtering device.

In certain embodiments, a replaceable light filter of this invention comprises a filter member (e.g.,30′) having a first surface (e.g., edge margin214) with a shape, and a filter member support (e.g., base204) having a second surface (e.g., slot surfaces) with a shape corresponding to the shape of the first surface, and an interference fit between the first and second surfaces forming a releasable attachment between the filter member and the filter member support. In some embodiments, the first surface of the filter member comprises at least one extension (e.g.,edge margin segments214A,214B) projecting from a periphery of the filter member, and the second surface of the filter member support has at least one opening (e.g.,slots200A,200B) for receiving the at least one extension. The filter member and filter member support may also be configured (e.g., notch230 and base portion234) to have a fit that establishes a precise predetermined position of the filter member on the filter member support.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a light filtering device of this invention, generally designated300, for blocking optically harmful light emitted by a light-emitting device, e.g., emitted from thetip24 of adental curing device22. Thelight filtering device200 is similar to thedevice10 of the previous embodiment, and corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers with a double prime (″). Thedevice200 comprises arotational bearing40″ having concentric outer andinner components42″,44″ rotatable relative to one another about an axis ofrotation46″. Afilter member302 is attached to an upper surface of theouter component42″ of the bearing for blocking optically harmful light. Acounterweight60″ is attached to a lower surface of theouter component42″ of the bearing.

In this embodiment, the retainingdevice50″ comprises aninner surface324 of theinner bearing component44″ configured for an interference friction fit with thetip24 or other component of the light-emittingdevice22 to hold the tip or other component substantially centered inside the rotational bearing and substantially rotationally stationary relative to the inner component of the rotational bearing when the tip or other component is received in the opening. Alternatively, or in addition, the retainingdevice50″ comprises an adhesive326 adhering the inner component of the rotational bearing to thetip24 or other component of the light-emittingdevice22 to hold the tip or other component substantially centered inside the rotational bearing and substantially rotationally stationary relative to the inner component of the rotational bearing when the tip or other component is received in the opening.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 10, thefilter member302 has a non-releasable (permanent) attachment to theouter component42″ of therotational bearing40″. In particular, thefilter member302 has anouter periphery310 that includes alower edge margin314 terminating in alower edge318 having a contour or shape that approximates the contour or shape of the upper surface of theouter component42″ of the rotational bearing. Thelower edge margin314 is adhered directly to the upper surface of theouter bearing component42″ by adhesive or other suitable bonding agent. As thus adhered to thebearing component42″, thelower edge margin314 acts as a filter member support for supporting thefilter member302 in an upright position. Thecounterweight60″ causes the filter member to remain upright when the tip of the curing device and/or the curing device itself is rotated about theaxis46″.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawing[s] shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (13)

What is claimed is:

1. A self-positioning light filtering device, comprising

a rotational bearing having concentric outer and inner components rotatable relative to one another about an axis of rotation, the inner component defining an opening for receiving the tip or other component of a dental curing device,

a transparent filter member for filtering said optically harmful light emitted from the dental curing device, said filter member and said inner component of the rotational bearing being rotatable relative to one another about said axis, and

a counterweight below the rotational bearing for causing the filter member to remain in an upright position when the inner component of the rotational bearing rotates relative to the outer component, as when the tip of the dental curing device and/or the dental curing device itself is rotated about said axis of rotation.

2. The light filtering device ofclaim 1, wherein the filter member is immovable relative to the outer component of the rotational bearing.

3. The light filtering device ofclaim 1, further comprising a filter member support for supporting the filter member in said upright position.

4. The light filtering device ofclaim 3, wherein the filter member support comprises a lower edge margin of the filter member having a shape approximating a shape of the outer component of the rotational bearing, and wherein said lower edge margin is adhered by adhesive to the outer component.

5. The light filtering device ofclaim 3, wherein said filter member support comprises a base attached to the outer component of the rotational bearing, and wherein the filter member is configured for releasable attachment to the base.

6. The light filtering device ofclaim 5, wherein said filter member has a lower edge margin terminating in a lower edge, said lower edge margin being configured for releasable reception in one or more slots in the base.

7. The light filtering device ofclaim 6, wherein the lower edge margin of the filter member is configured for an interference fit in said one or more slots.

8. The light filtering device ofclaim 7, wherein the lower edge margin of the filter member comprises a first edge margin segment configured for releasable reception in a first slot of said one or more slots, a second edge margin segment configured for releasable reception in a second slot of said one or more slots, and a notch separating the first and second edge margin segments for receiving a portion of the base between the first and second slots.

9. The light filtering device ofclaim 6, wherein said one or more slots include multiple slots in the base configured for releasable reception of different filter members having lower edge margins of different thicknesses.

10. The light filtering device ofclaim 3, wherein the filter member and filter member support are configured to have a fit that establishes a precise predetermined position of the filter member on the filter member support.

11. The light filtering device ofclaim 1, further comprising a retaining device for holding the tip or other component of the dental curing device substantially rotationally stationary relative to the inner component of the rotational bearing when the tip or other component is received in the opening.

12. The light filtering device ofclaim 11, wherein the retaining device comprises a surface of the inner bearing component configured for an interference friction fit with the tip or other component of the curing device to hold the tip or other component substantially centered inside the rotational bearing and substantially rotationally stationary relative to the inner component of the rotational bearing when the tip or other component is received in the opening.

13. The light filtering device ofclaim 11, wherein the retaining device comprises an adhesive adhering the inner component of the rotational bearing to the tip or other component of the dental curing device to hold the tip or other component substantially centered inside the rotational bearing and substantially rotationally stationary relative to the inner component of the rotational bearing when the tip or other component is received in the opening.

Images